First U Members Stand in Solidarity with Immigrants
Five members from First Unitarian joined hundreds of demonstrators from across the state at the Capitol Rotunda in Santa Fe on Jan. 26 for the “Immigrant and Worker’s Day of Action.”
The event was organized by Somos Acción, a statewide non-profit dedicated to educating and empowering voters and families, and fostering political engagement, and several other non-profit groups.
Those in the group with Jess Martin, who coordinated First Unitarian’s participation in the rally, were Nancy Harmon, Peggy Roberts, Kitty Sun and Peggy JSingh.
The protest, and many like it across the country, are happening on the heels of immigration raids in Minnesota and other states. The number of protest rallies across the country have escalated following the killing this month of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, MN by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (ICE).
The rally called for an end of New Mexico’s participation in immigrant detention with House Bill 9, known as “The Immigrant Safety Act.” If passed, the bill would ban NM counties and cities from signing onto immigration detention contracts with ICE. There are currently three ICE detention facilities in the state, located in Cibola, Otero and Torrance counties.
Reports of poor living conditions and abuse at these facilities have been reported by mainstream media, and echoed by many of the speakers. To date, the deaths of 32 immigrants in ICE custody were reported in 2025, and six deaths so far this year.
Among the some 10 legislators and public officials who spoke at the Capitol Rotunda was House Speaker Javier Martinez who referred to
HB 9 as “a movement that will help the United States of America find its soul again.”
The First Unitarian group visited the offices of their respective legislators in the House and Senate asking for their support of HB 9. The Immigrant Safety Act has passed along party lines in two committees thus far and another hearing will be held next week. Congregants in support of this legislation are encouraged to contact their representatives!
